198 
INSESSORES — CURSORES. 
for beneath the fallen leaves, and such berries and 
small fruits as are within the reach of its very limited 
flight. 
In the early part of the Autumn the Turkeys col- 
lect in small companies, the gobblers by themselves, 
and the old hens with their troops of young, which 
are but about half grown. They then commence to 
move about in search of fallen acorns and other 
small nuts. They travel on foot except when their 
progress is intercepted by rivers, or when surprised 
and forced to take wing by an enemy. Audubon 
says : u When they come upon a river, they betake 
themselves to the highest eminences, and there often 
remain a whole day, or sometimes two, as if for con- 
sultation. During this time, the males are heard 
gobbling , calling, and making much ado, and are 
seen strutting about as if to raise their courage to a 
pitch befitting the emergency. Even the females 
and young assume something of the same pompous 
demeanor, spread out their tails, and run round each 
other, purring loudly, and performing extravagant 
leaps. At length, when the weather appears settled, 
and all around is quiet, the whole party mounts to 
the tops of the highest trees, whence, at a signal, 
consisting of a single cluck , given by a leader, the 
flock takes flight for the opposite shore. The old 
and fat birds easily get over, even should the river 
be a mile in breadth • but the younger and less robust 
frequently fall into the water, — not to be drowned, 
however, as might be imagined. They bring their 
wings close to tbrn'r body, spread out their tail as a 
